One-way vision mirror, referred to in the glass industry as 2-way mirror, is one of the most common and highly effective solutions for achieving the transparent/opaque effect sought after in a mechitza.
There are many type of 2-way mirror and films on the market today. At Bass Furniture we use the highest quality material available. The reflective material is an integral part of the glass, giving it the highest differential between each side, as well as general longevity and best appearance. Each piece is tempered for interior use offering the highest protection from scratches or breakage.
The one-way vision mirror used by Bass Synagogue Furniture can be effective in equal lighting situations. But further control of lighting may be necessary in order to achieve the transparent/opaque standard you require. The more that light is directed towards the mechitza from the men’s side, the stronger the reflection. The less light/or more shadow directed from the women’s section the more transparent the view. It may certainly be possible to view the silhouette of any woman standing between the mechitza and a large window during the daytime.
Other than changing the lighting, we have come up with a number of ways to direct light to increase the effectiveness of the one-way vision mirror. Many of these designs include tilting the glass to instead direct the mirror toward the light on the men’s side and toward the shadow of the ground on the women’s side. Even a modest tilt, which can be incorporated into any mechitza, can make a big difference. The tilt also decreases the distance that men would come close in order to see their reflection, improving the general aesthetic. Even larger angles can be achieved by stacking multiple pieces to reflect the image of the wood dividers between them.
